[herskovitz]

I'm torn between getting the Pearl or waiting a few more weeks for the new Curve. I'm on a long-term Verizon contract so I cannot switch carriers and I did have an 8830, which I loved, except for the lack of a camera.

The two phones seems technically identical save for the keyboard, screen size and form factor.

Are there any other differences? How do the cameras perform on each? How is the media player? Can it replace an iPod?

Sorry for the cross-post but I'm putting it on the Pearl forum also.

Thanks,
Brian

[Soxfan04]

I went from an 8703e to the Pearl about a month ago. I got tired of waiting for the Curve to be released. I was nervous about the suretype keyboard but I have to say that after a week or so I got used to it. Media player is decent but not yet in the Ipod category. But for what I need it for it does the job. Not sure about how the cameras compare but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the pictures from the Pearl.

[herskovitz]

Soxfan, thanks for the quick reply. How are you finding the size vs the 8703?

I use the iPod (I have a 16GB Touch, planning to sell it) 99% for music and audio podcasts so the video aspect isn't that important to me.

B

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

To me, the biggest issue is keyboard. QWERTY vs Smart Type.

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

To me, the biggest issue is keyboard. QWERTY vs Smart Type.

[Yankel]

Is there a difference in the ability to watch youtube videos?

[Soxfan04]

The Pearl is much more compact. I really like the smaller size better. Feels more like a normal cell phone compared to the 8703e.

[moorken]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

To me, the biggest issue is keyboard. QWERTY vs Smart Type.

100% agreed, because of the keyboard the Pearl will always be the last option in my case...

[Dawg]

I love suretype so I wouldnt go to the curve

[Redflea]

The important differences include:

- Keyboard...full QWERTY on the Curve, shared keys on the Pearl. personal preference, neither is inherently "better" (regardless of what advocates on either side will tell you)

- Screen size...the Curve has a larger screen, which you might prefer

- Overall size...the Curve is larger overall...preference could go either way depending on things like whether someone pockets, beltclips, or purses their BB, and their general concern about how big their phone is.

I think you really need to wait, or visit another provider's store who has both now and see which one fits you and your needs best.

In terms of functionality they are pretty much identical.

[dwp1975]

I have the 8130 currently but would jump on the 8330 in a heartbeat, but that is just because I am a ceritfied smartphone junkie....

[Dawg]

Id much rather have the pearl because of the suretype

[herskovitz]

dpw1975, why would you switch from the 8130 to the 8330?

[Sith_Apprentice]

please do not multiple post the same question in different forums. merging this with the 8100 post.

[Chaseh140]

Better to hold out for the curve then decide, or you could go ahead and get the pearl and exchange it before your 30 days is up.

[michaeljwild]

I was holding out for the Curve from Verizon, and couldn't wait any longer so I went with the pearl. The only opinion I have that hasn't already been said is keep in mind the key spacing. If you have big fingers, it's a little clumsy trying to type fast on the Pearl's keyboard. Other than that, I say it's small, light and just as capable so why not go with it!

[Dawg]

I wear a size 15 ring and I type just fine on the pearl

[LancePipes]

Originally Posted by michaeljwild

I was holding out for the Curve from Verizon, and couldn't wait any longer so I went with the pearl. The only opinion I have that hasn't already been said is keep in mind the key spacing. If you have big fingers, it's a little clumsy trying to type fast on the Pearl's keyboard. Other than that, I say it's small, light and just as capable so why not go with it!

I was worried about this as well and I played around in the store with the Curve considering a switch from the Pearl. To my surprise I found it easier to type on the Pearl. The Curve isn't much bigger at all and it adds a bunch of keys in order to get full QWERTY, so I found that the Curve keys actually seemed smaller and harder to hit. I ended up getting the Pearl, however I had already gotten used to typing on it when trying the Curve, so who knows, the Curve probably becomes easier after a week too. The only reason I would consider the Curve is because of the screen size, but this is personal preference.

If the key size is a concern and you're considering the Curve because of this I would strongly suggest trying it out in the store before deciding.

Either way you win.....both AWESOME devices!!

[methamp]

Originally Posted by Soxfan04

I got tired of waiting for the Curve to be released. I was nervous about the suretype keyboard but I have to say that after a week or so I got used to it.

Absolutely! I'm on Alltel and since there's no Wi-Fi on the CDMA Pearl or Curve and they locked the GPS on both devices, I'm very happy with my Pearl. SureType was a breeze, surprisingly, coming from using nothing but full QWERTY smartphones and the 2 megapixel camera is pretty decent. The video capture could be a bit better quality but I've yet to see a video taken on a cell phone that impresses me. At least a U.S. one.

Media player does the job and the mute key is really nice since you can pause music from playing even if it's in the background. Although it takes about 3-5 seconds to load the song once you select it, it's good stuff and will keep me from buying an iPod.

[djxedxd]

The video capture could be a bit better quality but I've yet to see a video taken on a cell phone that impresses me. At least a U.S. one

What video capture?